Police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, said in a statement that a group of ten suspects allegedly entered the mall, accosted a security officer and blasted two ATMs and drop safes.
He said they then proceeded to a cell phone store and blasted another drop safe. Ngoepe said the suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash.
“SAPS Provincial Tracking Team joined by other operational teams including the Polokwane Air-wing, Limpopo Highway Patrol team and the Provincial Investigation Unit supported by the private security of Wllkie K9 Unit, Hoedspruit and Ofcalaco farm watch, Letaba Security and CPF, started tracing the suspects,” he said.
Ngoepe said three suspects, two female and a male, were immediately arrested at a house in Worcester village, few kilometers from the crime scene.
“During the arrest, police confiscated explosives believed to have been used during the blasts, two getaway motor vehicles (Mercedes Benz and Toyota Avanza), balaclavas and hand gloves,” said Ngoepe.
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He said the operation continued and in the process, members received a tip-off from members of the community about the other suspects driving in a Toyota Hilux travelling along the R36 road towards Burgesfort area.
“Subsequently, seven suspects, including the driver of the vehicle (police officer) were arrested after a car chase with the police. Two firearms, ammunition, clothes that were used during the blasts, cash amount of money believed to be part of the money stolen during this ATM blasting and the Toyota Hilux bakkie, were confiscated during the arrest,” he said.
Provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba has commended the officers for the swift response.
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“The swift actions by these members is highly commendable. Corrupt police officers should know that the net is closing on them and soon, they will all be behind bars,” said Ledwaba.
All suspects are expected to appear before the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of ATM bombing, contravention of the explosives act, possessing of prohibited firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen goods.
Police investigation is still continuing
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